Disney With a Twist - Bringing Friends!

[Cuchman]

The absolute best thing I think you can make is a "don't care about list" in addition to a "don't want to miss list"

I agree with and appreciate all of your points - but this one is my favorite. Definitely adopting the lists approach - seems like a great way to start the conversation about what everyone is looking for.

 

[Cuchman]

Meals- same deal. Do they want to spend the $$$ for TS meals? Don't count on them simply wanting to do quick service and keep going. I know my DD and nieces wouldn't have skipped certain restaurants (Boma, 50s PT, Biergarten) for anything!

Both of the friends being added have only been to Disney once on a short school trip and don't have much in the way of attachment to specific restaurants - or rides for that matter. We are planning one TS all together (Biergarten!) but we're picking up the bill for that one so I don't think there's much concern. And I think we will plan some CS together and allow them to have some on their own (though probably together as friends)
My kids are pickier about missing places - but since this is our first trip in a long time without the dining plan AND we are bringing friends, their expectations are appropriately set.
Also, both kids are early risers (thank God) and are on board with the idea of hitting most rope drops and/or EMHs. We actually excluded one friend from the running because he is notoriously AWFUL in the morning! (evidenced by many sleepovers.)

 

[bobbie68]

Hi we have been bringing DD (15) best friend/boyfriend the last two trips. Because they are minors and I am responsible for someone else's teen I was a little more stricter with rules and policies. First let me say they are great kids so no worry there. What I do is when we are at the hotel they are welcome to go off and do what activities they like. Honestly most of the time they hang with us for those. When we go to the parks I suggest my plan and ask them if that sounds good. Most of the time they are good because I know this teen I can pretty much figure out what they like and what they want to do. I do listen to requests of changing and adding things. We tell them they are more than welcome to go off on their own for a bit but they must stay together. We give them a checkpoint and time and they are very good. I do ask that they stay in the same park as us but that is me worrying probably a little more than others. I find it is easier to also keep track of them in the same park. If they were both my children I would be much more relaxed. The worse thing is to have to call a parent about a problem. I do not let them stay at the hotel if we are not there that to me is a big liability.

My DH and I have a lot of fun at the parks. The kids have found out that is more fun when you have more people to share it with. Probably about 10%of the whole trip do they do their own thing. We also do a lot of fun surprises and little extras so it works knowing they want to be with us.

I do take a note, a driver's license from mom and insurance card.

We only have one child and knew that one day should would want to bring friends. We decided that we pay 100% of the teen going with us. They bring their "fun money" but we do the rest. Honestly it is the best money I can spend on a vacation. Having DD happy and enjoying herself is amazing.